UFO Brigantia issue 24

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 24
Date: January-February 1987
Publisher: West Yorkshire UFO Research Group (WYUFORG)

This issue of UFO Brigantia, published bi-monthly, offers a deep dive into UFO investigations with a strong emphasis on rational analysis and debunking. The cover features a comic strip titled 'GALAXATIVE' by Jain T., alongside a prominent illustration of a UFO and a US Air Force soldier, setting a tone that blends popular culture with serious inquiry. The magazine's editorial stance champions evidence-based research over unsubstantiated belief, a theme that permeates its articles.

Editorial: The Cracoe Fell Saga and the Schism in Ufology

The editorial addresses the conclusion of the 'Cracoe Fell saga', a case that had garnered significant attention. While acknowledging that the phenomenon has been identified as an IFO (Identified Flying Object), the editorial highlights the 'fallout' and implications for Ufology. It notes the acrimony surrounding the case, particularly the division between those who believe UFOs are extraterrestrial craft and those who adopt a more skeptical viewpoint. The editorial argues that the unmasking of the Cracoe case, and potentially other similar sightings, suggests prosaic explanations are often overlooked. It calls for a healthy dose of skepticism and stringent investigation, cautioning against a return to the 'mire of extraterrestrial belief/intervention' that characterized Ufology in the 1950s and 60s.

Articles and Features

A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION: CROSS OF LIGHTS AT FARNLEY': AN IFO?

This article, by Martin Dagless, revisits a sighting from April 1986 concerning a 'crucifix of bright white lights' observed in Farnley, Leeds, in early 1982. Initially classified as Unknown/UAP by WYUFORG, the case is now explained as a superior mirage. Robert Moore, a BUFORA AI, proposes that layers of hot and cold air created a temperature inversion, causing street lights to appear higher in the sky. The article details the supporting evidence, including the weather conditions and the proximity of crossroads with street lamps, concluding that this optical aberration provides a conventional explanation.

CRACOE FELL - THE CONCLUSION

This feature by WYUFORG Research presents the final findings on the infamous Cracoe UFO case. Following further investigation, including multiple visits to the fell and the taking of transparencies, WYUFORG concludes that the phenomenon was a harmless reflection. The article details how Andy Roberts observed a bright white strip and a smaller 'blob' on the rock face. Photographs taken by WYUFORG were compared with earlier images, confirming the position and dimensions. An analysis by Klaus Webner in West Germany, who had previously analyzed the original YUFOS photographs, supported the conclusion that the phenomenon was a reflection. The article also touches upon the ongoing dispute with YUFOS (the Yorkshire UFO Society), who reportedly still classify the case as UNKNOWN despite the evidence presented by WYUFORG.

WITHER RATIONALITY ???

Written by Robert Moore (BUFORA), this piece laments the decline in standards and the rise of 'disillusioning retardation' in Ufology. Moore contrasts the 'golden age' of the late 1970s and early 80s, characterized by objective research and publications like Allen Hendry's 'THE UFO HANDBOOK', with the current trend towards sensationalism and profit-driven narratives. He criticizes those who prioritize ego and financial gain over truth, leading to the neglect of IFOs and debunking in favor of 'crashed spaceships' and 'fantastic encounters'. Moore calls for serious Ufologists to resist the 'blackness of insanity and cupitity' and to uphold the rationalist flame.

THE PENNINE PHANTOM HELICOPTER & OTHER SCARES (Part One)

David Clarke's article begins an investigation into recurrent UFO sightings in the Pennine foothills of northern England, focusing on the 'phantom helicopter' wave of 1973-74. The author quotes Belgian Ufologist Marc Hallet, who dismisses the UFO phenomenon as a 'myth' or 'cult'. Clarke notes that UFO magazines often focus on events that corroborate beliefs in extraterrestrial visitors. The article details the initial sightings, including one by Mrs. J. Ingleton in Derbyshire, which police identified as a hedge-hopping helicopter. It also covers reports of a cigar-shaped object and witness accounts that differed from the police interpretation, describing the craft as more like a flying saucer. The piece highlights the difficulty in separating fact from fiction due to media attention and official appeals for information.

Cartoons and Comic Strips

The issue includes a comic strip titled 'GALAXATIVE. By Jain T.', which features humorous dialogue between characters, including one remarking on being in Edinburgh for a festival and another commenting on peculiar nail-cutting habits. Another cartoon depicts armed figures in a futuristic or alien landscape.

Other Sections

• Contents: A detailed table of contents lists articles such as 'Editorial', 'New Years Resolution', 'Cracoe- The Conclusion', 'Vither Rationality?', 'The Phantom Helicopter', 'Have You Seen The Saucers?', 'Points Of View on UFO's', 'Stealth', 'Case History', 'Cracoe Update', 'Reviews', and 'Cartoons'.
• Advertisements: An advertisement for the 'UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE' is included, describing it as a monthly newsletter providing UFO and Fortean clippings from around the world.
• Product Advertisements: An advertisement for 'GO FLY A UFO!' toy, described as a 'UFO-Sam' unconventional flying object, is featured.
• News Snippets: A 'Warning over kite' section discusses the potential danger to aircraft from a new toy kite capable of flying at high altitudes. A news report from Washington details US radar monitoring of an unidentified flying object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme throughout this issue is the promotion of rational Ufology and the critical examination of UFO reports. The magazine actively seeks to provide evidence-based explanations for phenomena, as demonstrated by the detailed analysis of the Cracoe Fell and Farnley 'cross of lights' cases. There is a clear distinction drawn between objective investigation and subjective belief, with a critique of sensationalism and 'belief-oriented research'. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards extraordinary claims, advocating for thorough investigation and the identification of conventional explanations before resorting to extraterrestrial hypotheses. The issue also highlights the challenges faced by researchers in the field, including disputes with other organizations and the impact of media portrayal on public perception of Ufology.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: JAN/FEB '87
Volume: 87
Publisher: UFO BRIGANTIA
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, dated January/February 1987, features a prominent cover story on a controversy surrounding the Yorkshire 'UFO' sighting, alongside a collection of historical and contemporary UFO accounts and investigations.

Points of View on UFO's

Peter Chattaway explores the origins of space flight, referencing ancient accounts from Athens and a Mayan artifact suggesting early space travel. He discusses the possibility of UFOs originating from planets within our solar system, analyzing the conditions on Mercury, Venus, and Mars, and concluding they are unlikely to support life as we know it. Chattaway also considers the possibility of UFOs coming from beyond the solar system or from an alternate reality. He notes that spiritual healers sometimes claim their energy comes from Venus.

The article presents a timeline of selected UFO sightings, starting with John Martin in Denison, USA, in 1878, who described an object as 'about the size of a large saucer'. This is followed by Valter Maunday's observation of a disc-shaped object changing to a cigar shape near Greenwich in 1882. In 1886, Sacramento, California, witnessed large cigar-shaped objects with four wings. During World War Two, pilots reported 'Foo Fighters'. A significant event occurred on June 24th, 1947, in Idaho, USA, when Kenneth Arnold saw 'saucer-like things', coining the term 'flying saucers'. The issue also recounts the tragic case of Captain T. Mantell in 1948, who died investigating a UFO, and the 1950 McMinniville, Oregon sighting, which produced photographic evidence.

Stealth Aircraft and UFOs

Nigel Mortimer discusses the speculation surrounding the 'Stealth' F-19 super aircraft and its potential connection to UFO sightings. He notes that 'manta-ray' shaped UFOs reported in the UK might be sightings of this aircraft. Mortimer references a book by Bill Sweetman, which details the 'Stealth' concept, and points out that attributes of the F-19 were explored as early as the late 1940s. He also observes the resemblance of 1950s sci-fi drawings to 'flying wings' and 'manta-rays'. The article provides estimated dimensions and performance data for the Lockheed F-19, suggesting it was first flown in 1977 and designed for 'Covert Survivable In-weather Reconnaissance Strike'.

Classic UFO Over Bradford & Brighouse Investigation

This section details an investigation by WYUFORG into a case involving Andrew Hay and his grandfather Fred Hay in Brighouse, UK, on December 18th, 1985. Andrew reported seeing a bright white light moving northwards, which he initially perceived as a UFO. He described it as a disc with a dome and flashing lights. Fred Hay also saw an oblong object with flashing lights. The sighting duration was approximately twenty minutes. The investigation initially suggested a genuine UFO sighting, but later concluded it was likely an Identified Flying Object (IFO), possibly an aircraft.

Another case from Bradford on December 18th, 1985, involved Richard Frogton and a friend who saw a bright light, described as 'as bright as a star', moving south. They lost sight of it in cloud but regained it later, observing what they believed to be two aircraft. Frogton was convinced he had seen a UFO, partly because the lights were unlike normal aircraft lights and because he alleged the object nearly collided with an aircraft. However, information from Leeds/Bradford airport indicated that three aircraft were inbound at the time, and no unusual blips were detected. The investigation concluded that the 'UFO' was likely an aircraft, possibly due to high air traffic and the witnesses' expectation of seeing something unusual while looking for Halley's Comet.

The Cracoe Fell Case - Update

This article provides an update on the Cracoe Fell case, a sighting previously published by UFO Brigantia and hailed as conclusive evidence of a UFO. WYUFORG investigators, led by Andy Roberts, claim to have proof that the phenomenon was merely a light reflection. They sent new photographs to the same analyst, Klaus Webner, who concluded that the new images unmasked the event as a natural phenomenon. WYUFORG states they have investigated the case for three years and proved it was not extraterrestrial. This claim was strongly rejected by Mark Birdsall of the Yorkshire UFO Society, who, along with his brother Graham, had brought the original sighting to public attention. Birdsall dismissed the analyst and WYUFORG's claims, stating that YUFOS had produced a 200-page report backing their original findings. The article also mentions an incident where Graham Birdsall allegedly intimidated WYUFORG members during a meeting to inspect the proof.

A photograph taken on December 26th, 1986, at 12:00 noon from near Cracoe village is presented, showing a bright object on the rocks, which WYUFORG claims is the same phenomenon as the 1981 photographs but under different conditions. They argue that if the YUFOS interpretation were correct, the object would have possessed the power of invisibility.

Reviews

The magazine includes reviews of several publications:

• Northern UFO News: No. 122, Nov/Dec '86. A bi-monthly publication featuring articles on CE4, CE3 cases, and the Cracoe Fell affair.
• Magonia: No. 24, November '86. This issue focuses on 'Earthlights' and features articles on 'Spooklights', 'Shito-Dama', and 'Persinger's Tectonic Strain Theory'. It also reviews a UFO book expose.
• Fortean Times: Autumn '86, No 47. Described as the biggest and most informative journal in the strange phenomena field, covering topics like Operation Congo and Spontaneous Human Combustion.
• QUEST: Sept/Oct '86. Recommended for 'nuts and bolts' fans, covering defense technology, alien meetings, and UFO document releases. It includes criticism of BUFORA, WYUFORG, and Jenny Randles.

Book Review

TONY WEDD - New Age Pioneer by Philip Heselton. This book details the life of Tony Wedd, who linked UFO sightings with ancient landmarks and Earth Mysteries. It is described as essential reading for understanding his ideas and the field of anomalous phenomena.

Announcement

The magazine announces the departure of WYUFORG investigators Darren Chanter, Ann Chanter, Raymond Field, and Peter Chattaway, thanking them for their contributions and stating their work will continue to appear in UFO BRIGANTIA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate and investigation into UFO sightings, particularly the contrast between perceived extraterrestrial phenomena and potential misidentifications of aircraft or natural occurrences. There's a clear division and tension between different UFO research groups, such as WYUFORG and YUFOS, regarding the interpretation of evidence. The magazine also highlights the historical aspect of UFO sightings, suggesting a long-standing human fascination with unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and thorough investigation, as evidenced by the WYUFORG's approach to the Cracoe Fell and Bradford/Brighouse cases, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine UFOs when evidence warrants it. The discussion of the 'Stealth' F-19 aircraft introduces a technological angle, questioning whether advanced military projects might be mistaken for UFOs.